Business
SLT-MOBITEL signs up to provide fibre technology services to Majestic City complex
SLT-MOBITEL, the nation’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions leader has signed a MoU with CT Land Development PLC, the owning company of Majestic City luxury shopping complex with the aim of elevating the building’s ICT infrastructure.
Majestic City, which often is best known by its moniker, ‘MC’, is an iconic and one of the most recognizable buildings located in the heart of the bustling city of Bambalapitiya, Colombo 04.
The MoU signing took place recently at the SLT head office located in Colombo Fort and this event was presided over by authorized signatories Kiththi Perera, Chief Executive Officer of SLT and Ms. Mignonne Perera – Director of CT Land Development PLC. Other officials from both companies also participated at the agreement signing.
With the expansive and revolutionary world of digitalization taking shape across the world and the nation, it only felt timely that a luxury shopping complex such as Majestic City would adopt the installation of state-of-the-art ICT infrastructure. With Sri Lanka Telecom PLC being denoted as a fixture that has pioneered in the provision of ICT solutions, the company came into agreement with CT Land Development PLC to facilitate the shopping complex with telecommunications services, ultra-fast broadband connectivity provided through fibre technology as well as the next revolution in entertainment television, PEO TV.
Sri Lanka Telecom’s objective will be to provide the necessary support and expertise that will enable the implementation of a Smart Building in the heart of the city and one that will no doubt transform ordinary lives and lead them forward towards experiencing a glimpse of a digitally-infused lifestyle.
Sharing her thoughts on the new collaboration, Ms. Mignonne Perera, Director of CT Land Development PLC, said, “In keeping with the importance of embracing digital change and innovation, we recognized Sri Lanka Telecom PLC as the ideal partner towards achieving our goal of digitization and staying relevant in this digital age. We look forward to witnessing the Majestic City in a whole new light.”
Mr. Kiththi Perera, Chief Executive Officer of SLT said, “As a national fixture that aims to uplift the nation through technology and digital intervention, it is also a role that we, at SLT embraces in terms of providing the best in ICT and telecom solutions to our home-grown business entities. We feel privileged to have had this opportunity where we can work to elevate Majestic City into a smart building and provide solutions that will no doubt turn into an experience that the public will enjoy and appreciate.”
Business
Sri Lankan leaders urged to balance historical wisdom with modern innovation
By Ifham Nizam
Prof. Patrick Mendis, a Sri Lankan-born U.S. diplomat and presidential advisor to the U.S. Department of Defense issued a call to action for Sri Lanka’s leaders, urging them to adopt a pragmatic vision that balances historical wisdom with modern innovation.
Speaking on the topic, `The Power of Geopolitics and Its Implications for Sri Lanka’s National Development’, at a seminar organized by the National Chamber of Commerce last Friday, he said: “Commerce and connectivity have always been the lifeblood of nations. Sri Lanka must harness its strategic position and unique assets to chart a path of sustainable growth and prosperity.”
Mendis provided to the audience at the National Chamber Auditorium deep insights into how global political dynamics shape Sri Lanka’s economic and strategic future.
Drawing from his extensive experience across over 140 countries, Mendis highlighted key opportunities and challenges facing the nation. The event served as a vital platform for engaging discussions among policymakers, academics and industry leaders.
Professor Mendis of the University of Warsaw drew connections between history, trade, and modern geopolitics. His analysis highlighted how nations leverage their geographic and economic strengths to navigate global power dynamics. He outlined the opportunities and challenges for Sri Lanka amidst the shifting tides of international trade and diplomacy.
Opening with a historical lens, Mendis emphasized the role of commerce in shaping global alliances. Quoting Thomas Jefferson, he reiterated the timeless motto: “Commerce with all nations, alliance with none.” This principle, rooted in America’s founding vision, underscores the idea that peaceful trade can serve as a cornerstone for national prosperity. Jefferson’s vision for “practicable water communication across the continent for commerce” resonates even today as countries explore trade routes that minimize conflict while maximizing economic benefits.
Mendis also reflected on historical instances of Sri Lanka’s strategic connectivity. From King Bhatika Abhaya’s diplomatic exchanges with Rome and China in the Anuradhapura Kingdom to the maritime strategies of Parakramabahu I during the Polonnaruwa era, Sri Lanka has long been a hub for trade and cultural exchange. Such historical precedents underscore the island’s potential as a pivotal player in contemporary global trade.
Transitioning to modern geopolitics, Mendis focused on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He described it as a transformative project aimed at fostering “a peaceful world built on trade.” By connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa through infrastructure investments, China seeks to rejuvenate the historical Silk Road and assert its economic dominance. For Sri Lanka, this presents both opportunities and challenges.
Sri Lanka’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean has made it a critical node in China’s maritime ambitions. Mendis referred to Sri Lanka as China’s “unsinkable aircraft carrier,” highlighting major investments like the Hambantota Port and Colombo Port City. While these projects promise economic growth, they also raise concerns about sovereignty and debt dependency.
Mendis likened China’s approach to a modern “MIDLIFE Strategy,” where military, intelligence, diplomacy, legal, identity, financial, and economic tools are employed to win battles without war. For example, Chinese survey missions in the Indian Ocean, ostensibly for fiber-optic cable laying and resource mapping, underline its dual-use strategy, blending commercial and strategic interests.
In the face of growing U.S.-China competition, Professor Mendis urged Sri Lanka to adopt a pragmatic and balanced approach. He discussed the implications of key U.S.-India agreements, including the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA). These alignments, aimed at enhancing defense cooperation, have significant implications for the Indo-Pacific and Sri Lanka’s positioning.
Quoting Winston Churchill, Mendis reminded the audience: “We have no lasting friends, no lasting enemies, only lasting interests.” He emphasized that Sri Lanka must prioritize its national interests over allegiances, ensuring sustainable development while avoiding entanglements in power rivalries.
Mendis urged businesses to focus on sectors where Sri Lanka holds a comparative advantage, such as tourism, agriculture, and technology. By capitalizing on its rich cultural heritage and skilled workforce, the nation can attract investments that align with sustainable development goals.
Business
Customer service to new heights with Digitalized Contact Centre for Union Bank
Marking a significant milestone in the advancement of digital customer service in the banking sector, Dialog Enterprise, the corporate ICT solutions arm of Dialog Axiata PLC., announces the implementation of a state-of-the-art, cloud-based contact centre solution for Union Bank of Colombo PLC. The cloud-hosted platform offers a unified communication solution that integrates voice, video, unified messaging, VoIP, and automated call flows, reinstating the existing outmoded contact centre system at Union Bank.
Union Bank as part of its digital transformation agenda continues to leverage technology for growth and the upgrade of its existing contact centre infrastructure to a more advanced, scalable, and compliant solution is yet another step towards enhancing customer experience. With the new cloud-based system, the bank aims to improve customer engagement and streamline operations, while adhering to central bank regulations and compliance requirements.
“We are excited to collaborate with Dialog Enterprise to elevate our customer service capabilities,” stated Malinda Perera, Vice President – Head of Cards, Asset Products, Service Quality & Contact Centre of Union Bank. “Our decision to move to a cloud-based contact centre was driven by our commitment to enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency. The new system will allow us to offer more personalized service through various channels, including voice, chat, and social media, ensuring that we can meet our customers’ needs wherever they are. Additionally, the platform’s robust security features will help us comply with regulatory standards, protecting our customers’ data and maintaining their trust,” he explained further.
The new cloud-hosted contact centre will enable Union Bank to achieve greater scalability, reduce operational costs, and increase flexibility for its workforce. With features such as integrated CRM, real-time wallboards, reporting tools, and mobile applications, the solution ensures that agents can provide exceptional customer service from any location, whether working remotely or from the office.
“We are thrilled to present this latest communication interface for Union Bank,” exclaimed Navin Pieris, Group Chief Officer of Dialog Enterprise. “As pioneers in bringing the latest technology to the country, our goal is to provide local enterprises with access to world-class digital solutions at affordable prices. The cloud-based contact centre we are implementing for Union Bank will enhance their operational efficiency while also significantly improving the customer experience through a more responsive, multi-channel communication platform,” he pointed out.
Business
United Kingdom tea importers visit Sri Lankan tea producers, exploring trade opportunities
A delegation of experts and specialists from the UK tea industry is in Sri Lanka this week to strengthen connections with the country’s specialty tea producers and explore business opportunities.
The trade mission – organized under the UK Government- funded Trade Partnerships (UKTP) programme and implemented by the International Trade Centre and– will connect 12 UK tea companies with specialty tea producers and processors across Sri Lanka’s low, mid and upcountry regions, to explore the unique flavours and variations influenced by diverse climatic conditions.
Buyers will experience firsthand the artisanal tea harvesting methods and the distinctive processing techniques used to craft premium, curated teas. They will also gain insights into the environmental, ethical and social practices of each tea producer.
‘This trade mission provides a valuable opportunity for United Kingdom tea buyers to directly engage with high-quality Sri Lankan tea producers. By fostering these direct connections, we aim to strengthen trade relationships and contribute to the sustainable growth of both the United Kingdom and Sri Lankan tea sectors,’ said Jarmila Sarda, UKTP programme manager.
A tea reception hosted by the British High Commission in Colombo will provide a platform for UK buyers and Sri Lankan stakeholders, including the Ceylon Artisanal Tea Association (CATA), to engage, exchange ideas and expand their networks.
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